Rochester Lourdes vs. Zumbrota-Mazeppa 

3:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 9

Rochester Lourdes' matchup against Zumbrota-Mazeppa on Wednesday — the first of two games for the Eagles that day — will provide the program with an opportunity for revenge. 

The Eagles fell to the Cougars in last season's Class 2A, Section 1 final with back-to-back 7-2 losses, and this battle of top-10 ranked teams could hinge on pitching.

For the No. 5-2A Eagles, it all starts with senior pitcher Abbey Gapinski. The Luther College commit has been a leader in the circle and at the plate. On April 27, she dealt 11 strikeouts over five innings as her team knocked off Kenyon-Wanamingo 10-0.

Zumbrota-Mazeppa (7-0, 5-0) comes in as the two-time defending state champion and has the pieces to make it three consecutive championships. The No. 2-2A Cougars bring back a starting battery that has a bond closer than most — the Quam sisters. 

Senior pitcher Lydnsey and junior catcher Natalye earned all-conference honors a season ago, and have championship pedigree after winning consecutive state championships.